Image

COVID-19 outbreak at Sarnia Jail continues to grow

February 22, 2021

Forty-six inmates and five staff COVID-19 positive

There have been six new cases of COVID-19 linked to the Sarnia Jail outbreak over the weekend.

Lambton Public Health reports Monday 46 inmates and five staff members have tested positive for the virus since the outbreak began Feb. 7.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sudit Ranade, has said public health has been working with Corrections Ontario on the outbreak, however because there are no walls – only steel bars – and close quarters, it is difficult to reduce the spread of the virus.

At last word, the population of the jail had been reduced to less than half of its capacity with just 49 people in the jail built for 101 inmates. The inmates are also wearing masks when moving from their cells to other parts of the building.

At least one person has been sentenced to probation instead of a jail sentence because a Sarnia justice concluded it would be risky for the offender’s health considering the outbreak.

Monday, eight new cases of COVID-19 were reported.

Over the weekend, there were 25 more people diagnosed with COVID-19. The community also topped 2,000 total COVID-19 cases Saturday.

There are now 98 people ill in Lambton. There was also one more outbreak at Twin Lakes Terrace Retirement Home where one staff member has tested positive for the virus.

The number of cases in Lambton has climbed in the past week. Early in the week, many of the new cases were part of an outbreak at the Sarnia Jail, but on both Thursday and Friday, the new cases were not from current outbreaks.

There are more restrictions in Lambton County this morning as we move into the Red-Restrict Zone of the pandemic reopening framework because of the rising number of cases.

The number of people able to gather in one place is now at five instead of 10.

Restaurants and bars are only be able to have 10 people inside at one time with four to a table. Alcohol will be served until 9 pm and the restaurant or bar has to close by 10 pm.

Retail stores will also have to limit capacity to 50 per cent of the stores. Grocery stores will have 75 per cent capacity. Movie theaters and performing arts centers are closed.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Consultant says AI can ‘transform’ education

February 6, 2025

Blake Ellis/The Independent Artificial intelligence can transform education, giving teachers another tool so they can better meet the needs of students. This was the message conveyed to trustees of the St. Clair Catholic School Board on Jan. 28, as Catholic Curriculum Consultant Courtney Mellow gave an update on the organization’s artificial intelligence in education implementation strategy. Mellow said in many

Read More

Image
News

Aamjiwnaang’s chief files complaint against Dennis’ “untrue, reckless, offensive, disparaging and abusive” remarks at Lambton County council

February 6, 2025

“I find the new Chief of the Amjiwnaang (sic)remarks to be a threat against me for doing my job,” says Dennis Heather Wright/The Independent Aamjiwnaang’s chief has filed complaints to both the Lambton County and Sarnia Integrity Commissioner over comments made by Bill Dennis. Nov. 27, Lambton County Council received a letter from Chief Janelle Nahmabin about fines paid by

Read More

Image
News

PW to honour $10K 2025 Petrolia arena grant

February 6, 2025

Plympton-Wyoming to set up donation fund for applications in 2026 Heather Wright/The Independent Plympton-Wyoming will honour its commitment to provide a $10,000 grant to both Petrolia and Forest.But the municipality plans to set up a grant program to decide what organizations and municipalities get Plympton-Wyoming’s cash. Councillors recently decided against entering an agreement with Petrolia to formalize a grant provided

Read More

Image
Front Page

Mooretown Flags double Wheatley

February 6, 2025

A five goal second period propelled the Mooretown Flags to an 8-4 win over the Sharks in PJHL action at Wheatley. Wes Brooks scored twice and added an assist for the winners Wednesday. Dylan Dupuis continued his torrid pace with a goal and three assists. Dupuis is now riding a 13-game point streak dating back to late December with 13

Read More